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The Alexandria City Academy(For Residents and Businesses)

The Alexandria City Academy is now accepting applications for its 2015 Fall Sessions. Classes will begin on Thursday, September 10 and run for nine weeks, ending on Thursday, November 5. Each class will begin at 6:45 p.m. and end at 9 p.m.; light refreshments will be provided beginning at 6:15 p.m. A graduation ceremony will be held on Tuesday, November 10 during the City Council meeting.

The Alexandria City Academy is designed to
offer our residents and business owners (located within
the city limits) the opportunity to learn how their local government works and
how they can become involved in the City. This program will also prepare
individuals for public service on a board, commission, task force or other
involvement in the City’s governance.

Participants will learn about the many responsibilities and functions
of the City Government, the relationships between the City Departments and the
community and how services are provided. The Academy’s goal is to educate the
public and to increase awareness about what their local government does for
them, provide an inside look into government operations, and to develop a
better understanding of their role in city government.

The Academy is open to any residents over the age of 18, or owner of businesses located within the City of Alexandria. Class size is limited to 22 students. The deadline for registration is Friday, August 14.

Application form may be downloaded or submitted online or picked up at the Customer Connection Center, City Hall, 301 King St., Room 1900. Submit the completed printed application by return email, regular mail, or by fax to 703.838.6426 or in person to the above address.

For additional information, contact Elaine Scott at 703.746.4317 or by email: elaine.scott@alexandriava.gov

Curriculum

Session 1: September 10

Getting to Know Your City Government City Hall - Council Workroom - 301 King Street

Welcome

Meet The Mayor and The City Manager

Brief History of Alexandria

Overview of Government Organization and Council Appointed Boards and Commissions

Session 9: November 5

Testimonials

“I have lived in the City of Alexandria for 20 years, and last
Fall I took the Alexandria City Academy class. I highly recommend applying for
and participating in the Academy, as it provides a broad overview of all City
Departments and Services. Through the Academy, I gained a better understanding
of how the City actually works! I thought I knew a lot about the City of
Alexandria before the class, however, I was enlightened.

I also recommended the class to a friend, and she applied for and
participated in the class. If you want to learn more about the City of
Alexandria and gain a better understanding of the impact of your City tax
dollars, or find out more about Alexandria Economic Development Partnership,
the Police Department, Fire Department, Transportation & Engineering
Services, Recreation & Parks, or any other City service, you should
definitely take this class.”

Shelli Vasser Gilliam, CMPCity of Alexandria Resident and Small Business Owner

"The City Academy presentations and handouts were interesting and
informative. Even a 30-year resident like me learned many new things about the
operations of the City of Alexandria."

Anne B.- Spring 2015 Academy Session

"The Alexandria City Academy was a unique and enriching experience. I learned so much about the city, and the participants-students and educators alike-were super excited and informative. If you're interested in getting more involved in city affairs or simply learning more about them, I recommend you apply for this program."

Thomas S. - Spring 2015 Academy Session

"The Alexandria City Academy affords citizens a detailed but personal perspective about the myriad city departments and services. Alexandria may be a smaller city, but it provides many services that citizens just don't know about. The academy outs citizens face to face with city officials and personnel who know the intricacies of our great town. I highly recommend the academy. I feel more informed, more in touch, and more knowledgeable."

Hendrick B. - Fall 2014 Academy Session

"The 9-week course is so genuinely enriching and eye-opening regarding how the City operates that I would make it mandatory for all my employees if I could."

"With the class-size limit, it is a privilege and an honor to be accepted to the course, so I can only encourage them to apply and hope one or both get chosen!"

"I met some great people, established solid connections and am certainly a more informed citizen for having successfully graduated from the spring session."